Awhile back, driving down the crazed and dreary High Street in Ellsworth, we glimpsed a gorgeous restored antique train rolling down the tracks behind Cadillac Mountain Sports. Such an in-congruent sight in the clash of fast food signs and dusty storefronts. So of course I googled it when we got home to find out the details. You can find out, too, click here. Except for subways and commuter trains, I've never done a real train trip, and I'd bet I am not alone. By coincidence, we watched a special on PBS about the Orient Express, and I was ready for the romance of train travel. Downeast Scenic Rail got added to my list of "must do's." And we did, last weekend.
We invited our friend Bill (owner of the Model T in this earlier post photo) who is up for anything old and went over to Ellsworth for a ride. Here's the train from the boarding platform behind Cadillac Mountain Sports.
Stepping on board truly feels like going into the past. The cars are beautifully restored to their early 20th century appearance. Not the Orient Express, but still reminiscent of older times.
As well, there is an open car in the middle with picnic tables, some with shaded awnings. Boarding starts 45 minutes before the train leaves (and they keep to the schedule). If you want an outside table, get there early. They were all taken by the time we got aboard a half hour before departure.
We had fun because we always do with Bill (not the sharpest of photos, but I like it and I get to pick), but the ride was less than spectacular. Trains go where the rails are, so I am not complaining about the views of back yards as others have. Some of the views were quite pretty:
And I saw more osprey nests (and ospreys) at one time than I ever did before:
The trip was very short, though it took the full 1.5 hours, at least half involved with changing direction. The worst part was the fumes: a diesel engine, the fumes filled the cars and you could not avoid inhaling. I'm not terribly finicky about smells, and it pushed my endurance. It was a little better outside in the open car, but seating there is limited and we stood by the railing.
Here's the way to do it: Go on a nice day when you can sit outside. Take some small children, maybe 4 years and up. Pack a picnic and get there early so that you can get an outside table. The prices are reasonable at $15 each for adults, children 3 -12, $8, 2 years and under free. Walk the children through the cars and watch the engine uncoupling. And do your breathing out in the open.
The Orient Express it is not, but the website for the Orient doesn't even give prices -- you have to contact them to find out. Likely this is a better deal, and the fumes are free.
We invited our friend Bill (owner of the Model T in this earlier post photo) who is up for anything old and went over to Ellsworth for a ride. Here's the train from the boarding platform behind Cadillac Mountain Sports.
Stepping on board truly feels like going into the past. The cars are beautifully restored to their early 20th century appearance. Not the Orient Express, but still reminiscent of older times.
As well, there is an open car in the middle with picnic tables, some with shaded awnings. Boarding starts 45 minutes before the train leaves (and they keep to the schedule). If you want an outside table, get there early. They were all taken by the time we got aboard a half hour before departure.
We had fun because we always do with Bill (not the sharpest of photos, but I like it and I get to pick), but the ride was less than spectacular. Trains go where the rails are, so I am not complaining about the views of back yards as others have. Some of the views were quite pretty:
And I saw more osprey nests (and ospreys) at one time than I ever did before:
The trip was very short, though it took the full 1.5 hours, at least half involved with changing direction. The worst part was the fumes: a diesel engine, the fumes filled the cars and you could not avoid inhaling. I'm not terribly finicky about smells, and it pushed my endurance. It was a little better outside in the open car, but seating there is limited and we stood by the railing.
Here's the way to do it: Go on a nice day when you can sit outside. Take some small children, maybe 4 years and up. Pack a picnic and get there early so that you can get an outside table. The prices are reasonable at $15 each for adults, children 3 -12, $8, 2 years and under free. Walk the children through the cars and watch the engine uncoupling. And do your breathing out in the open.
The Orient Express it is not, but the website for the Orient doesn't even give prices -- you have to contact them to find out. Likely this is a better deal, and the fumes are free.
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